Small interventions, big impact

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Simon Joa, Chairman of the Karlsruhe Chamber of Architects, talks in an interview about the transformation of a profession caught between digitalization, bureaucracy and market displacement

Architecture is under increasing pressure: new building regulations and social expectations are turning what was once a generalist profession into a complex interface function. But how are architects themselves reacting to these changes? And what role does the Chamber of Architects play in this? In an interview with Simon Joa, Chairman of the Karlsruhe-Stadt Chamber of Architects, it becomes clear that the profession is changing and the chamber is determined to help shape this change.

Mr. Joa, how do you perceive the current situation of the architectural profession?

Joa: The profession has actually developed very well over the last ten years. Of course, this was also linked to the general situation in the construction industry. I definitely have the impression that what the offices were able to achieve was very adequate overall. It also became clear that those who embraced new developments such as digitalization were able to benefit greatly from them.

How does the development of the architectural profession in Germany differ from international markets?

Joa: In Germany, we have the particularity that the market is very fragmented. There are many one-man, two- or three-man offices and, on the other hand, only a few large offices, almost corporations. Many are satisfied with their environment and overall it is still a good place to work. Dealing with bureaucracy, on the other hand, has become more difficult. Many colleagues are increasingly struggling with it and in some cases no longer feel like dealing with these issues. It has also become much more complicated in terms of execution. As an architect, you used to have a different status on the construction site, you made decisions and fixed things. Today, many contractors act almost like small law firms. You're much more caught between two stools than you used to be. And the architect is still subject to joint and several liability. This no longer has anything to do with the reality of construction and needs to be changed.

How do you experience the development in cooperation with other specialist disciplines?

Joa: The ideal image of the architect was once the generalist who had everything in view. Today, there are significantly more specialist disciplines, such as auditors from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). In the past, there used to be two people at the table with the structural engineer, then at some point energy consultants and lighting planners were added. Today, ten or twenty people sit around the table for larger projects. You can no longer control everything because you can no longer process many details yourself immediately. It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep the threads together and sometimes that's no longer even desirable. So the job description is changing.
How do you deal with this development?
Joa: You have to see for yourself what you can still contribute if you move a little further away from being a generalist. I don't want to say that you should get rid of it completely, as I think that would be the wrong approach. I still have the impression that clients really appreciate it when someone thinks outside the box and understands the big picture. But of course you also have to find the right client. Others say: the architect makes a few plans and that's it. Unfortunately, this attitude is becoming increasingly common. This attitude will do away with the profession, so we have to continue to show what we can do.

To what extent can the Chamber of Architects influence such changes in the profession?

Joa: The Chamber of Architects certainly tries to exert an active influence. For example, there are internal strategy groups that deal with overarching future topics such as the 'architectural office of the future' or 'Office 2.0', i.e. questions about the future orientation and organization of planning offices. The aim is to identify developments at an early stage and develop appropriate strategic approaches. In practice, however, the implementation of such ideas is often complex and associated with many bureaucratic hurdles.
Where do such challenges manifest themselves in everyday practice?
Joa: One example is the amendment to the state building regulations. There, the so-called building permit authorization was extended to building class 3. Previously, this regulation only applied to smaller projects and certain technicians without a degree in architecture, but now it also applies to projects in multi-storey residential construction. From the Chamber's point of view, this is a problematic development and we have clearly communicated why this softening is not sensible. Unfortunately, politicians have nevertheless decided otherwise in this case. This shows that although dialog with politicians does take place, it does not always have the desired effect.

What responsibility does the Chamber of Architects bear for the development of the profession?

Joa: The Chamber of Architects is a self-governing body under public law. This means that we all ultimately share responsibility for how the profession develops in the future. So the question is: what leeway do we still have? There are now many other players, such as large construction groups, which have their own well-equipped planning departments and are pushing into our market with completely different motivations. This shows how important it is that we continue to develop as a profession.

Was that an impetus for you to get involved in professional politics?

Joa: For me personally, it was always important to play an active role in this development. The Chamber as an opportunity to play an active role in shaping it only occurred to me later. Until around 2016, I had practically no points of contact with the Chamber of Architects. I paid my membership fee once a year and that was it. In my working environment in Darmstadt at the time, there was a rather negative attitude; the Chamber was almost seen as the enemy. It was all the more exciting for me to later gain an insight into the Chamber's work myself. It fundamentally changed my image. Today, I see many things in a very positive light. Of course, there are also aspects that make you wonder whether they are a little outdated or too dominated by administrative logic. But overall, I am convinced that the Chamber does important work for our profession and that it is worth actively participating in it.

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The housing shortage poses major challenges for cities throughout Germany - and Karlsruhe is no exception. Simon Joa, Chairman of the Karlsruhe City Chamber of Architects, analyzes the causes, solutions and urban planning developments. As co-founder of joa - studio für architektur, he has played a key role in shaping the region's building culture for many years. In this interview, Simon Joa talks about structural deficits in housing construction, the role of urban planning and innovative concepts for dealing with limited space. His assessments provide a well-founded insight into current developments and future prospects for housing in Karlsruhe.

How would you assess the development of residential construction in Karlsruhe over the last ten years?

Joa: Housing construction in Karlsruhe has changed a lot in recent years. The coronavirus pandemic marked a turning point that influenced housing construction nationwide. The war in Ukraine further exacerbated the general conditions. Before this time, many ambitious projects were initiated, but the target of creating 400,000 new homes nationwide each year was missed by a wide margin - approvals are currently at around half that figure. Moreover, this figure relates to building permits issued, not to actual construction projects. The real balance is therefore probably even more drastic.

What strategy do you currently consider to be particularly effective in countering the housing shortage in Karlsruhe?

Joa: The most important approach at the moment is to identify and consistently exploit existing potential - particularly in existing buildings. Additions, extensions, expansions or even the restructuring of existing units offer enormous potential. In our office, we have noticed a significant increase in demand in the area of portfolio development over the last two to three years. Unfortunately, due to the tight financial situation, many of these projects do not get beyond studies or early planning phases. Another key aspect is the reduction in per capita consumption of living space. New housing typologies can be created through simple structural interventions. The classic two- to three-room floor plan that has dominated in recent decades urgently needs to be reconsidered.

Are there any specific residential construction projects in Karlsruhe that you would describe as exemplary?

Joa: One ambitious project is the housing design by schneider+schumacher in Waldstadt. The plan there is to build 134 new residential units in modular timber construction - but the project is currently on hold due to the economic situation. Another positive example is the project in Daxlanden by ASTOC, which is currently being completed. A total of 357 residential units, most of which are publicly subsidized, are being built here on around 3.5 hectares of a former sports facility. Such projects show that sustainable housing is still being created in Karlsruhe despite the difficult situation.

How do you assess the role of municipal housing associations, especially Volkswohnung in Karlsruhe?

Joa: Volkswohnung makes an important contribution to housing development in Karlsruhe. In recent years, I have noticed an increasing professionalization - competitions are being held, competition is being generated and multiple contracts are being awarded. This ensures quality and innovation. A good example of this, which I would like to highlight, is Falk Schneemann's garage extension in Heilbronner Strasse. Twelve new residential units were created there - without any additional soil sealing. Of course, this is not a project that will fundamentally solve the housing shortage. But it is an example of how even small interventions can have a big impact.

Where do you see potential for improvement among housing associations?

Joa: Many companies are increasingly focusing on improving their carbon footprints. In order to decarbonize, DGNB auditors are commissioned to use Excel tables to assess the energy performance of the portfolio. Measures such as replacing the heating or installing PV systems are derived from this. The problem with this is that the balance sheets end up looking better, but no new living space is created. I consider this development to be critical - it shifts the focus from actually meeting demand to purely optimizing figures in terms of CO2 emissions.

What impact is the current budget freeze of the city of Karlsruhe having on this development?

Joa: The budget freeze means that only urgently necessary expenditure can be made. In contrast, cities such as Stuttgart have been able to provide their housing associations with millions in additional funds thanks to high budget surpluses. This means that projects can be kept in the planning stage and implemented quickly when the economic situation improves. Karlsruhe currently lacks this flexibility - and this has a direct impact on the future of housing construction in the city.

How do you assess the conflict of objectives between sustainable construction and economic reality?

Joa: Sustainable construction began around 25 years ago with the Energy Saving Act. This made various measures subject to verification and the overall view brought us ever closer to a life cycle assessment. The subsidy programs have evolved since then - two to three times as much insulation is now needed to meet the requirements. In my view, the limit of sensible cost-benefit efficiency has long since been exceeded. I am by no means against energy-efficient refurbishment or climate protection. But anyone who is familiar with the calculation models behind the targets and critically scrutinizes them quickly realizes that many measures are primarily effective on paper - not in reality. The climate transition should be considered more broadly.

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How does a city change when major projects are completed, shopping streets are remodeled and public spaces are rethought? Simon Joa, Chairman of the Karlsruhe-Stadt Chamber of Architects, talks in an interview about the challenges and opportunities facing Karlsruhe city center, the consequences of online retail and construction sites - and explains why small impulses in particular can have a big impact.

Karlsruhe city center has undergone many changes in recent years. In your opinion, what were the biggest challenges for the retail sector after the pandemic and the construction of the subway?

Joa: A key issue is certainly the situation surrounding the retail sector, which has suffered greatly from the years of construction sites - particularly in connection with the major construction project, i.e. the construction of the light rail tunnel. These construction sites lasted for almost a decade and their restrictions made it difficult for retailers to survive.

At the same time, there has also been a major change due to online retail. How much is this noticeable in Karlsruhe?

Joa: The shift towards online retail is a structural problem that is not affecting Karlsruhe alone. However, the fact that the quality of life has also deteriorated due to construction sites is an aggravating factor here. Although the city has started to develop new strategies - for example in the area of city center development east - I don't think there is a real common thread yet.

In your opinion, what would be sensible measures to improve the city center?

Joa: I think it's all about quality of stay. Kaiserstrasse is a central axis of the city, with the market square and pyramid as fixed points. Now that the surface has been cleared, this space should be used consciously. I realize myself how I still have to get used to walking across the middle of the street without fear of being run over. You first have to get used to this new freedom.

What can the city do specifically for the retail sector?

Joa: The scope for influence is limited, mainly because many properties are privately owned and rents are not set by the city. In addition, many traditional stores have disappeared and large chains are moving in - this is a trend in society as a whole.

Are there also innovative approaches that offer hope?

Joa: Yes, I found the concept of pop-up stores exciting. Other cities - like Stuttgart - have had good experiences with this. Young creative people bring fresh ideas and revitalize vacant spaces. In my opinion, such unconventional approaches would be a first step. Small interventions in public spaces could also help, simply to show: "Something new is happening here!"

And what about the long-term effects of the light rail tunnel?

Joa: The project was expensive and controversial, but I think it can only be properly assessed in a few decades' time. What you can already see now: The city center has become more permeable, new areas are being used that were previously neglected. There is also criticism, such as the insufficient spacing of the bus stops, or the art in public spaces without its own competition. But on the whole, the project has been an important step.

How do you experience the work of the city administration and especially the urban planning department in the urban development process?

Joa: It is often very bureaucratic. We experienced this ourselves when preparing for ArchitekturZeit in der Stadt. Permits for temporary buildings in public spaces are difficult to obtain. Processes should be made less bureaucratic and the city as a whole should act more courageously.

Does the Chamber of Architects actually have a direct influence on urban development?

Joa: We don't have any direct influence - the Chamber is a professional city body. However, the board is elected by the members, which gives us a certain legitimacy. Through working groups such as "Am Puls", we are in constant communication with city politicians. We are actively involved, for example by participating in juries and committees or by publishing position papers on current urban development and architectural issues. In this way, we are able to influence urban development - albeit indirectly.

How has urban development in Karlsruhe changed overall in recent years, including with regard to residential construction?

Joa: I think it has become more professional. In housing construction in particular, there have been many competitions and procedures such as multiple commissions. Exciting, innovative projects have also been created with Volkswohnung and the cooperatives - despite the difficult conditions caused by coronavirus and the conflict in Ukraine.

The conversion and further development of existing buildings into living space is one of the most pressing issues of our time. How great is the potential for this in Karlsruhe?

Joa: The potential is enormous. In our office, we have been working for years on projects such as adding storeys, extensions and restructuring. Particularly in buildings from the 1960s, which make up a large proportion of the existing stock in Germany and are now in need of refurbishment, contemporary, high-quality apartments can be created with comparatively small interventions.

One final question. When you look 10 years into the future, what do you wish for Karlsruhe, what is your vision?

Joa: Karlsruhe should continue to develop in a lively and dynamic way - making the best of what is there. Vacancies and gaps offer great opportunities and fit in well with this year's motto for the Day of Architecture "Vacancies, gaps, potential". The city should remain young, open to new things, without freezing into a museum-like character. There are already many cultural offerings and innovative, internationally networked companies, especially in the IT sector. The green spaces in the city and its proximity to France and Luxembourg are clear locational advantages. The aim is to create a city that is constantly reinventing itself and looking to the future with fresh ideas.

About the person
Simon Joa studied architecture at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and founded joa- studio für Architektur in Karlsruhe together with Stefanie Joa in 2012. From 2014, he was a member of staff at the KIT's Urban Quarter Planning professorship. In 2022, he became chairman of the Karlsruhe City Chamber Group of the Chamber of Architects. In 2024, Joa was appointed to the Association of German Architects (BDA).